Refuse vehicle with electric lift

ABSTRACT

A fully-electric lift assembly for a refuse vehicle includes a track, a carrier, and a push chain. The track includes multiple channels that extend along an entire length of a path of the track. The carrier is configured to translate along the path of the track. The carrier includes multiple slidable members, each slidable member configured to engage the track at a corresponding one of the channels. The push chain is configured to couple with the carrier at a first end and be driven by an electric motor. The push chain is configured to exert a pushing force on the carrier to drive the carrier to ascend along the track.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/851,235, filed Apr. 17, 2020, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/843,067, filedMay 3, 2019, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

The present application generally relates to refuse vehicles. Morespecifically, the present application relates to lifting apparatuses forrefuse vehicles.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a fully-electric liftassembly for a refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. Thefully-electric lift assembly includes a track, a carrier, and a pushchain. The track includes multiple channels that extend along an entirelength of a path of the track. The carrier is configured to translatealong the path of the track. The carrier includes multiple slidablemembers, each slidable member configured to engage the track at acorresponding one of the channels. The push chain is configured tocouple with the carrier at a first end and be driven by an electricmotor. The push chain is configured to exert a pushing force on thecarrier to drive the carrier to ascend along the track.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a refuse vehicle,according to an exemplary embodiment. The refuse vehicle includes achassis, tractive elements, a reach assembly, and a fully-electric liftassembly. The tractive elements are coupled with the chassis and areconfigured to support the refuse vehicle. The reach assembly is coupledwith the refuse vehicle. The fully-electric lift assembly is coupledwith the reach assembly and includes a track, a carrier, and a pushchain. The track includes channels that extend along an entire length ofa path of the track. The carrier is configured to translate along thepath of the track. The carrier includes a plurality of slidable members.Each slidable member is configured to engage the track at acorresponding one of the plurality of channels. The push chain isconfigured to couple with the carrier at a first end and be driven by anelectric motor. The push chain is configured to exert a pushing force onthe carrier to drive the carrier to ascend along the track.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a fully-electriclift assembly for a refuse vehicle, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The fully-electric lift assembly includes a track, acarrier, and a push chain. The carrier is configured to translate alongthe track. The push chain includes multiple linkages. Each linkageincludes a pin extending in a first direction and a protrusion extendingin a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. Thesubsequent linkages are pivotally coupled with each other through thepin and are configured to pivot relative to each other in a firstangular direction and wherein the protrusion limits rotation ofsubsequent linkages in a second angular direction. The push chain isconfigured to couple with the carrier at a first end and be driven by anelectric motor to exert a pushing force on the carrier to drive thecarrier to ascend along the track.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle, shown to include aloading assembly, a track, and a grabber assembly, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the loading assembly of the refusevehicle of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the loading assembly of the refusevehicle of FIG. 1 , shown to include the grabber assembly of FIG. 1 ,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the track of FIG. 1 , according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the track of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electric lift assembly that can beused on the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electric lift assembly with astationary chain that can be used on the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 ,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an electric lift assembly with a splitladder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a push chain that can be driven by anelectric motor to exert a pushing force on a carrier and grabberassembly to translate the carrier and grabber assembly along a track,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle with a track and apull chain that can exert a pulling force on a grabber assembly totranslate the grabber assembly along the track, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electric lift assembly for a refusevehicle with a ladder assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the electric lift assembly of FIG. 11 ,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the electric lift assembly of FIG. 8 ,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electrically powered grabberassembly storage apparatus that can be used with a lift assembly,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the electrically powered grabber assemblystorage apparatus of FIG. 13 in a first configuration, respectively,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the electrically powered grabber assemblystorage apparatus of FIG. 13 in a second configuration, respectively,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the electric lift assembly of FIG. 8 ina first configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the electric lift assembly of FIG. 8 ina second configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the FIGURES, various embodiments of afully-electric lifting apparatus, system, or assembly for a refusevehicle are shown. The fully-electric lifting apparatus can include atrack, a carrier, and a grabber assembly coupled to the carrier. Thecarrier is configured to travel along (e.g., ascend or descend) thetrack to lift and empty refuse containers in a refuse vehiclecompartment. The track can include a straight lower portion and a curvedupper portion. The track can include an interfacing member that extendsalong an entire length of a path of the track. The interfacing membercan be any of a rack including teeth, rungs (e.g., cylindrical ortubular members that are spaced apart and extend between support railsof the track along the entire length of the track), or a stationarychain. The carrier can include electric motors fixedly coupled with thecarrier and configured to drive a shaft. The shaft can include a rollingmember (e.g., a sprocket, a roller pinion, a gear, a toothed member,etc.) configured to engage the interfacing member of the track. Theelectric motors can drive the rolling member to cause the carrier andthe grabber assembly to ascend or descend along the track.

The track can include a storage apparatus at a bottom end of the track.The storage apparatus can include a pivotal bottom portion of the trackthat the carrier can translate down to. The pivotal bottom portion canbe driven to pivot or rotate inwards and can engage a hook to releasablysecure the carrier and the grabber assembly. The storage apparatusfacilitates safe storage of the carrier and the grabber assembly duringtransportation.

The track can include an upper portion and a lower portion that cantranslate relative to each other. The upper portion can be fixedlycoupled with the refuse vehicle. The lower portion can be coupled to areach assembly that couples to the refuse vehicle. The reach assemblycan include a telescoping member (or multiple telescoping members) thatare driven to extend or retract by one or more electric motors. When thereach assembly is driven to extend, the lower portion translatesrelative to the upper portion, which remains stationary. The reachassembly can then be retracted to a position such that the upper andlower portion of the track are aligned. When the upper and lower portionof the track are aligned, the carrier and the grabber assembly can bedriven to ascend or descend along the track to lift and empty refusecontainers.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a vehicle, shownas refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., a garbage truck, a waste collection truck, asanitation truck, a refuse collection truck, a refuse collectionvehicle, etc.), is configured as a side-loading refuse truck having afirst lift mechanism/system (e.g., a side-loading lift assembly, etc.),shown as lift assembly 100. In other embodiments, refuse vehicle 10 isconfigured as a front-loading refuse truck or a rear-loading refusetruck. In still other embodiments, the vehicle is another type ofvehicle (e.g., a skid-loader, a telehandler, a plow truck, a boom lift,etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1 , refuse vehicle 10 includes a chassis, shown asframe 12; a body assembly, shown as body 14, coupled to frame 12 (e.g.,at a rear end thereof, etc.); and a cab, shown as cab 16, coupled toframe 12 (e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.). Cab 16 may includevarious components to facilitate operation of refuse vehicle 10 by anoperator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, hydraulic controls, a userinterface, switches, buttons, dials, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1 , refusevehicle 10 includes a prime mover, shown as engine 18, coupled to frame12 at a position beneath cab 16. Engine 18 is configured to providepower to a plurality of tractive elements, shown as wheels 19, and/or toother systems of refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., a pneumatic system, ahydraulic system, an electric system, etc.). Engine 18 may be configuredto utilize one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel,bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.), according to various exemplaryembodiments. According to an alternative embodiment, engine 18additionally or alternatively includes one or more electric motorscoupled to frame 12 (e.g., a hybrid refuse vehicle, an electric refusevehicle, etc.). The electric motors may consume electrical power from anon-board storage device (e.g., batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc.), froman on-board generator (e.g., an internal combustion engine, etc.),and/or from an external power source (e.g., overhead power lines, etc.)and provide power to the systems of refuse vehicle 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, refuse vehicle 10 is configured totransport refuse from various waste receptacles within a municipality toa storage and/or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incinerationfacility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1 , body 14includes a plurality of panels, shown as panels 32, a tailgate 34, and acover 36. Panels 32, tailgate 34, and cover 36 define a collectionchamber (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown as refuse compartment 30. Looserefuse may be placed into refuse compartment 30 where it may thereafterbe compacted. Refuse compartment 30 may provide temporary storage forrefuse during transport to a waste disposal site and/or a recyclingfacility. In some embodiments, at least a portion of body 14 and refusecompartment 30 extend in front of cab 16. According to the embodimentshown in FIG. 1 , body 14 and refuse compartment 30 are positionedbehind cab 16. In some embodiments, refuse compartment 30 includes ahopper volume and a storage volume. Refuse may be initially loaded intothe hopper volume and thereafter compacted into the storage volume.According to an exemplary embodiment, the hopper volume is positionedbetween the storage volume and cab 16 (i.e., refuse is loaded into aposition of refuse compartment 30 behind cab 16 and stored in a positionfurther toward the rear of refuse compartment 30). In other embodiments,the storage volume is positioned between the hopper volume and cab 16(e.g., a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1 , refuse vehicle 10 includes first liftmechanism/system (e.g., a front-loading lift assembly, etc.), shown aslift assembly 100. Lift assembly 100 includes a grabber assembly, acarrier assembly, etc., shown as grabber assembly 42, movably coupled toa track, shown as track 20, and configured to move along an entirelength of track 20. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.1 , track 20 extends along substantially an entire height of body 14 andis configured to cause grabber assembly 42 to tilt near an upper heightof body 14. In other embodiments, track 20 extends along substantiallyan entire height of body 14 on a rear side of body 14. Refuse vehicle 10can also include a reach system or assembly coupled with a body or frameof refuse vehicle 10 and lift assembly 100. The reach system can includetelescoping members, a scissors stack, etc., or any other configurationthat can extend or retract to provide additional reach of grabberassembly 42 for refuse collection.

Referring still to FIG. 1 , grabber assembly 42 includes a pair ofgrabber arms shown as grabber arms 44. Grabber arms 44 are configured torotate about an axis extending through a bushing. Grabber arms 44 areconfigured to releasably secure a refuse container to grabber assembly42, according to an exemplary embodiment. Grabber arms 44 rotate aboutthe axis extending through the bushing to transition between an engagedstate (e.g., a fully grasped configuration, a fully grasped state, apartially grasped configuration, a partially grasped state) and adisengaged state (e.g., a fully open state/configuration, a fullyreleased state/configuration, a partially open state/configuration, apartially released state/configuration). In the engaged state, grabberarms 44 are rotated towards each other such that the refuse container isgrasped therebetween. In the disengaged state, grabber arms 44 rotateoutwards (as shown in FIG. 3 ) such that the refuse container is notgrasped therebetween. By transitioning between the engaged state and thedisengaged state, grabber assembly 42 releasably couples the refusecontainer with grabber assembly 42. Refuse vehicle 10 may pull upalong-side the refuse container, such that the refuse container ispositioned to be grasped by the grabber assembly 42 therebetween.Grabber assembly 42 may then transition into an engaged state to graspthe refuse container. After the refuse container has been securelygrasped, grabber assembly 42 may be transported along track 20 with therefuse container. When grabber assembly 42 reaches the end of track 20,grabber assembly 42 may tilt and empty the contents of the refusecontainer in refuse compartment 30. The tilting is facilitated by thepath of track 20. When the contents of the refuse container have beenemptied into refuse compartment 30, grabber assembly 42 may descendalong track 20, and return the refuse container to the ground. Once therefuse container has been placed on the ground, the grabber assembly maytransition into the disengaged state, releasing the refuse container.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3 , the lift assembly 100 is shown in greaterdetail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Lift assembly 100 is shownto include track 20, and a coupling member, shown as carrier 26. Track20 is configured to extend along substantially the entire height of body14, according to the exemplary embodiment shown. Body 14 is shown toinclude a loading section, shown as loading section 22. Loading section22 is shown to include a recessed portion, shown as recessed portion 24.Recessed portion 24 is configured to allow track 20 to curve throughrecessed portion 24, such that track 20 may be configured to empty arefuse bin (e.g., a garbage can) releasably couple to grabber assembly42 in refuse compartment 30.

Still referring to FIGS. 2-3 , carrier 26 is shown coupled with track20. Carrier 26 is coupled to track 20 such that carrier 26 may movealong an entire path length of track 20. Carrier 26 may removably couplewith grabber assembly 42, thereby removably coupling grabber assembly 42to track 20, and allowing grabber assembly 42 to travel along the entirepath length of track 20. Carrier 26 removably couples (e.g., byremovable fasteners) to a carriage portion of grabber assembly 42, shownas carriage 46. Grabber assembly 42 is shown to include grabber arms,shown as first grabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. First grabber arm 44 a and second grabberarm 44 b are each configured to pivot about 45 a and axis 45 b,respectively. Axis 45 a is defined as an axis longitudinally extendingthrough substantially an entire length of a first adapter or bushingassembly, shown as first adapter assembly 43 a, and axis 45 b is definedas an axis longitudinally extending through substantially an entirelength of a second adapter or bushing assembly, shown as second adapterassembly 43 b. First adapter assembly 43 a fixedly couples to a firstend of carriage 46, and rotatably couples to first grabber arm 44 a.Second adapter assembly 43 b fixedly couples to a second end of carriage46, and rotatably couples to second grabber arm 44 b. First adapterassembly 43 a and second adapter assembly 43 b couple first grabber arm44 a and second grabber arm 44 b to carriage 46, and allow first grabberarm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b to rotate about axis 45 a and axis45 b, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5 , the track 20 is shown in greater detailaccording to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a front view of track20, and FIG. 5 shows a side view of track 20, according to an exemplaryembodiment. Track 20 is shown to include a straight portion 27, and acurved portion 29. Straight portion 27 may be substantially vertical,and/or substantially parallel to loading section 22 of body 14,according to an exemplary embodiment. Curved portion 29 may have aradius of curvature, shown as radius 23, according to an exemplaryembodiment. In some embodiments, curved portion 29 has a constant radiusof curvature (i.e., curved portion 29 has a constant radius 23 along allpoints on a path of curved portion 29), while in other embodiments,curved portion 29 has a non-constant radius of curvature (i.e., curvedportion 29 has a non-constant radius 23 along various points on the pathof curved portion 29). According to an exemplary embodiment, straightportion 27 has an infinite radius of curvature. According to anexemplary embodiment, grabber assembly 42 may travel along a path oftrack 20, shown as path 25. Track 20 may be configured to tilt grabberassembly 42 to empty contents of a refuse container when grabberassembly 42 travels along path 25 and travels past a point on path 25,shown as point 28. When grabber assembly 42 travels along path 25 pastpoint 28, grabber assembly 42 may tilt, emptying the contents of therefuse container in refuse compartment 30.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , an electric lift system 700 is configured todrive grabber assembly 42 to translate along track 20. Electric liftsystem 700 includes electric motors 702 disposed at opposite lateralsides of carrier 26. Carrier 26 is configured to translate alongstraight portion 27 and curved portion 29 of track 20 to lift and dumpcontents of a refuse bin grasped by grabber assembly 42 or releasablysecured with grabber assembly 42. As described hereinabove, carriage 46can be removably or fixedly coupled (e.g., integrally formed) withcarrier 26 so that carriage 46 translates along track 20 with carrier26.

Electric motors 702 can be mounted or fixedly coupled with carrier 26.Electric motors 702 can each include a gearbox, a brake, and an outputdriveshaft. In some embodiments, the output driveshaft of each ofelectric motors 702 are coupled, shown as driveshaft 704. Electricmotors 702 are configured to drive/rotate driveshaft 704 to translatecarrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 upwards along track 20. Electricmotors 702 can cooperatively drive driveshaft 704 to translate carrier26 along track 20. In some embodiments, electric motors 702 can beoperated to drive/rotate driveshaft 704 in a first direction (e.g.,counter-clockwise about axis 706) to translate carrier 26 and grabberassembly 42 upwards along track 20 and in a second direction (e.g.,clockwise about axis 706) to translate carrier 26 and grabber assembly42 downwards along track 20. In this way, electric motors 702 can beoperated in either direction to translate carrier 26 and grabberassembly 42 upwards or downwards along track 20.

Electric motors 702 can be mounted to exterior surfaces or portions ofcarrier 26. Electric motors 702 can be substantially parallel to eachother and are configured to exert a torque on driveshaft 704 about acommon or shared axis, shown as axis 706. Track 20 includes a supportportion, a generally flat member, a plate, etc., shown as web portion722. Track 20 also includes side portions, side members, structuralmembers, I-beams, U-beams, etc., shown as rails 718. Rails 718 arepositioned at opposite sides of web portion 722. Rails 718 and webportion 722 can be integrally formed, fixedly coupled (e.g., welded),removably coupled (e.g., with fasteners), etc. In some embodiments,rails 718 extend along substantially the entire path of track 20. Rails718 can extend from web portion 722 in a direction perpendicular to webportion 722. In some embodiments, rails 718 and web portion 722 areremovably coupled with a member, a structural member, a connectionmember, a coupling member, etc., shown as coupling member 724. Couplingmember 724 can facilitate removable coupling therebetween web portion722 and rails 718.

Rails 718 each include a channel, a recess, a groove, a slot, a track, arecession, a continuous channel, etc., shown as channels 720. In someembodiments, channels 720 are defined by a cross-sectional shape ofrails 718. Channels 720 extend along substantially the entire pathlength of rails 718 and track 20.

Channels 720 are configured to each receive and slidably couple with aprotrusion, a linear bearing, a roller, a guide portion, a post, acylindrical member, a block, etc., shown as linear bearing members 716.Linear bearing members 716 can extend inwards from carrier 26 and can bereceived by and slidably couple with rails 718. Linear bearing members716 may be received therewithin channels 720 and slidably couple withone or more surfaces of channels 720. Linear bearing members 716 cantranslate along channels 720 as carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 aretranslated along track 20. Linear bearing members 716 facilitatealignment between carrier 26 and track 20. Linear bearing members 716also support carrier 26 with track 20 such that carrier 26 and grabberassembly 42 translate along the path of track 20.

Electric motors 702 can be operated by a controller to lift and dumprefuse collection bins (e.g., garbage cans) grasped by grabber assembly42. Grabber assembly 42 and carrier 26 can be translated along track 20from a bottom end 708 of track 20 to an upper end 710 of track 20.Bottom end 708 of track 20 is a bottom end of straight portion 27.Likewise, upper end 710 of track 20 is an upper end of curved portion29.

Electric motors 702 can be operated to translate carrier 26 and grabberassembly 42 to bottom end 708 of track 20. When carrier 26 and grabberassembly 42 are at bottom end 708 of track 20, grabber assembly 42 canbe operated to a fully opened position/configuration. Grabber assembly42 can then be operated to a fully or partially grasped configuration toremovably couple a refuse collection bin with grabber assembly 42.Electric motors 702 can then be operated to translate grabber assembly42 (and the removably coupled refuse collection bin/container) andcarrier 26 upwards along track 20 to lift the refuse collectionbin/container and dump the contents of the refuse collectionbin/container. Electric motors 702 can then be operated (to exert atorque on driveshaft 704 in an opposite direction) to translate carrier26 and grabber assembly 42 back to the bottom end 708 of track 20.Grabber assembly 42 can then be operated to release the refusecontainer. In this way, grabber assembly 42 and electric motors 702facilitate removably coupling, lifting, and dumping of refusecontainers.

Driveshaft 704 can extend therebetween electric motors 702 and can befixedly coupled with carrier 26. In some embodiments, driveshaft 704extends through and is supports carrier 26. Driveshaft 704 can becoupled with carrier 26 through bearings 714. Driveshaft 704 can berotatably coupled with bearings 714 at opposite portions and is free torotate relative to carrier 26 to drive carrier 26 and grabber assembly42 to translate along track 20. Bearings 714 can be any ball bearings,roller bearings, etc., that provide sufficient radial loadingcapabilities (e.g., bearing load capabilities) to support carrier 26 andgrabber assembly 42.

Driveshaft 704 includes a drive member, a gear, a rolling member, aroller member, a roller pinion, a rotatable drive member, etc., shown asroller pinion 712. Roller pinion 712 is rotatably coupled withdriveshaft 704. Roller pinion 712 can be removably and rotatably coupledwith driveshaft 704. In some embodiments, roller pinion 712 is removablycoupled with driveshaft 704 through fasteners, keys, etc. In someembodiments, roller pinion 712 is press fit on driveshaft 704. In someembodiments, driveshaft 704 is two shafts that extend from electricmotors 702 and are removably and rotatably coupled at their ends withroller pinion 712.

Roller pinion 712 is configured to rotate about axis 706 with rotationof driveshaft 704. In some embodiments, roller pinion 712 is configuredto driven by driveshaft 704. Roller pinion 712 can transfer torqueexerted on driveshaft 704 by electric motors 702 to translate carrier 26and grabber assembly 42 along track 20 (e.g., in either direction).

Track 20 includes a rack, a roller rack, a toothed elongated member, anelongated member, a rack, etc., shown as roller rack 726. Roller rack726 includes teeth 728 (e.g., a plurality of engagement members)configured to mesh with or engage corresponding teeth, posts, members,etc., of roller pinion 712. Teeth 728 and roller rack 726 can extendalong the entire length of track 20. In some embodiments, roller rack726 has a same overall shape as track 20 (e.g., a candy-cane shape, aJ-shape, a straight portion and a curved portion, a generally straightportion and an arcuate portion, etc.). Roller rack 727 can be centrallypositioned therebetween rails 718. In some embodiments, roller rack 727is defined by one or more portions that include teeth 728.

Roller rack 726 can be fixedly coupled with web portion 722. In otherembodiments, roller rack 726 is removably coupled (e.g., with fasteners)with web portion 722. The meshed coupling between teeth 728 of rollerrack 726 and roller pinion 712 facilitates transferring the torque fromdriveshaft 704 and roller pinion 712 into lift force. The lift force istransferred to carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 relative to track 20,thereby causing carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 to translate alongtrack 20. Advantageously, the meshed coupling between teeth 728 ofroller rack 726 and roller pinion 712 facilitates lash control.Furthermore, the meshed coupling therebetween roller rack 726 and rollerpinion 712 used to lift and translate carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42facilitates improved efficiency (e.g., an improved efficiency oftransferring mechanical energy from electric motors 702 to the liftingforce). Advantageously, using roller rack 726 can facilitate fasterspeeds at which carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 ascend and descendtrack 20. Roller rack 726 can also provide a longer life time and a moredurable lifting assembly compared to other lifting assemblies.

Track 20 can include structural support members 730. Structural supportmembers 730 extend therebetween neighboring or distal portions of curvedportion 29 of track 20. Structural support members 730 can improve thestructural strength and load bearing capabilities of track 20.Specifically, structural support members 730 can facilitate additionalstructural strength when carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 are atcurved portion 29 of track 20. Track 20 can also include a laterallyextending structural support member 732. In some embodiments, laterallyextending structural support member 732 extends therebetween rails 718along at least a portion of curved portion 29 of track 20. Laterallyextending structural support member 732 can function similarly to webportion 722. Laterally extending structural support member 732facilitates structural strength and load bearing capabilities of track20 at curved portion 29.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 11, and 12 , track 20 can include a ladderassembly 750 configured to mesh with a gear, a roller, a pinion, a drivemember, a rotatable drive member, a sprocket, etc., shown as sprocket758. Sprocket 758 can be used in place of roller pinion 712 and may bemounted (e.g., rotatably coupled with) driveshaft 704. Sprocket 758 canbe mounted or coupled with driveshaft 704 similarly to roller pinion 712(e.g., with keys, a press-fit, etc.). Ladder assembly 750 extends alongsubstantially the entire length of track 20. Ladder assembly 750includes rungs, ladder members, elongated members, cylindrical members,engagement members, etc., shown as rungs 752. Rungs 752 are spaced adistance 754 apart along the path of track 20. Rungs 752 can be spacedapart distance 754 along substantially the entirety of the path of track20. Adjacent (or consecutive) rungs 752 define a space 756 therebetween.Space 756 is configured to receive teeth, radially extendingprotrusions, etc., shown as teeth 760 of sprocket 758 to mesh ladderassembly 750 with sprocket 758. As sprocket 758 is driven to rotate(e.g., by electric motors 702), teeth 760 exert a pushing or liftingforce to rungs 752 to lift carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 alongtrack 20. In other embodiments, carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 arepulled or pushed along track 20 and the gear can freely rotate due tothe coupling therebetween teeth 760 of sprocket 758 and ladder assembly750 and motion of carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42.

Electric motors 702 can each include a gearbox configured to increasetorque output such that a sufficient torque is provided to driveshaft704 to lift or drive carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 along track 20.Electric motors 702 can also each include a brake that can activate tolock a current angular position of driveshaft 704. In some embodiments,the brake is activated in response to receiving control signals from acontroller. The brakes can be activated to lock carrier 26 and grabberassembly 42 at a current position along track 20. In some embodiments,the brakes can be activated when refuse vehicle 10 is shut down, or whenlift assembly 100 is powered off.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , track 20 can include a stationary chain 759that is configured to mesh with corresponding teeth of a drive sprocket.The drive sprocket can be the same as or similar to sprocket 758. Insome embodiments, the drive sprocket is positioned or mounted (e.g.,removably or fixedly coupled) with driveshaft 704 similarly to rollerpinon 712 and/or sprocket 758.

Stationary chain 759 can extend along substantially the entire path oftrack 20. In some embodiments, stationary chain 759 is adjacent anexterior surface of web portion 722. For example, stationary chain 759can lie on the exterior surface of web portion 722. Stationary chain 759includes linkages 762. Linkages 762 can define a space therebetween thatis configured to receive and mesh with teeth of the drive sprocket. Insome embodiments, the drive sprocket is configured to mesh withstationary chain 759 as carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 translatealong the entire path of track 20. The drive sprocket can impart alifting force therebetween carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 andstationary chain 759 to lift carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 alongtrack 20. Stationary chain 759 can be coupled at opposite ends withtrack 20. In some embodiments, stationary chain 759 is pre-loaded intension such that stationary chain 759 functions as a substantiallyrigid track member.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 13, 17, and 18 , track 20 can be split alongstraight portion 27. Track 20 can be coupled with a reach assembly 800.A bottom or lower portion 902 of track 20 (e.g., a lower portion of thetwo-piece track 20) can be coupled with a bar, a beam, an elongatedmember, etc., shown as inner member 804 of reach assembly 800. Innermember 804 can be received within a bar, a beam, an elongated member,etc., of reach assembly 800, shown as outer member 802. Outer member 802can include a hollow portion, a channel, a groove, an inner volume,etc., configured to receive inner member 804 therewithin. Inner member804 can be slidably coupled with one or more inner surfaces of outermember 802. In some embodiments, inner member 804 is configured totranslate relative to outer member 802 to extend or retract reachassembly 800, thereby translating track 20 (and carrier 26 and grabberassembly 42) outwards. Reach assembly 800 facilitates reaching refusecontainers with grabber assembly 42 that may be positioned a distanceaway from refuse vehicle 10. It should be understood that while reachassembly 800 is shown as a telescoping apparatus with an inner and outermember, reach assembly 800 can include any number of telescopingportions to improve an overall reach capability (e.g., a maximumextension length) of grabber assembly 42. The various telescopingmembers can be driven to extend or retract using an electric motor, alinear electric actuator, gearboxes, etc., thereby providing afully-electric reach assembly 800.

For example, track 20 can be a distance 806 from outer member 802. Whenreach assembly 800 is fully retracted, distance 806 is substantiallyequal to zero (e.g., inner member 804 is fully received therewithinouter member 802). Inner member 804 can translate relative to outermember 802 to increase or decrease distance 806.

In some embodiments, reach assembly 800 translates or moves lowerportion 902 of track 20 relative to an upper or top portion 904 of track20 in a longitudinal direction defined by a longitudinal axis 808 ofouter member 802. Lower portion 902 of track 20 and upper portion 904 oftrack 20 can be configured to translate apart from each other and backtogether to fully define track 20. In some embodiments, lower portion902 includes an exterior or upper surface 778. Upper surface 778 can beangled and is configured to interface with and/or contact acorrespondingly shaped and angled lower surface 776 of upper portion904. When reach assembly 800 is operated to extend, inner member 804extends relative to outer member 802 and upper surface 778 of lowerportion 902 moves away from lower surface 776 of upper portion 904(shown in FIG. 17 ). When reach assembly 800 is operated to retract(e.g., to decrease in overall length), inner member 804 retractsrelative to outer member 802 (e.g., distance 806 is decreased) untilupper surface 778 of lower portion 902 is substantially adjacent (e.g.,removably coupled with, contacts) lower surface 776 of upper portion 904(shown in FIG. 18 ).

Lower portion 902 can include a guide member, an alignment member, etc.,shown as alignment member 768 positioned at an upper end thereof. Insome embodiments, alignment member 768 is configured to be receivedwithin or slidably couple with an inner volume 774 of a receiving member770 of upper portion 904. Inner volume 774 of receiving member 770 canhave a shape that corresponds to alignment member 768 and is configuredto receive alignment member 768 therewithin. Alignment member 768 can bepositioned at a lower end of upper portion 904.

In some embodiments, alignment member 768 includes outwardly extendingportions, guide members, protrusions, rollers, blocks, etc., shown asguide members 772. Guide member 772 are configured to be received withingrooves, tracks, recesses, inner volumes, cavities, etc., of innervolume 774 of receiving member 770. Guide members 772 can slidablycouple with corresponding inner surfaces of inner volume 774. In someembodiments, guide members 772 and inner volume 774 facilitate alignmenttherebetween lower portion 902 and upper portion 904 of track 20 suchthat when guide members 772 are received within inner volume 774,channels 720 of upper portion 904 and lower portion 902 are aligned(e.g., such that a continuous channel is formed).

Upper portion 904 of track 20 can be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled,mounted, etc.) with an upper portion of refuse vehicle 10. In someembodiments, upper portion 904 of track 20 is mounted on the body ofrefuse vehicle 10. For example, upper portion 904 of track 20 can bemounted to a hopper or vehicle body of refuse vehicle 10.

Inner member 804 can be configured to translate relative to outer member802 with an electric motor, a hydraulic system (e.g., a hydrauliccylinder), an engine, etc. In some embodiments, inner member 804 isconfigured to translate relative to outer member 802 due to extensionand retraction of an electric linear actuator. In some embodiments, theelectric linear actuator and/or the electric motor includes feedbacksensors and a brake. In some embodiments, a brake is includedtherebetween outer member 802 and inner member 804. The brake can betransitioned into an activated state such that a current position ofinner member 804 relative to outer member 802 is substantially locked.For example, when inner member 804 is translated relative to outermember 802 to the configuration/position shown in FIG. 18 , the brakecan be transitioned into the activated state to maintain the currentconfiguration/position as grabber assembly 42 is driven to translatealong track 20 and empty refuse into the hopper of refuse vehicle 10.

In some embodiments, the sensor is an extension sensor, a distancesensor, a feedback sensor on the electric linear motor or the electricmotor, etc. in some embodiments, the brake is transitioned into and outof the activated state by a controller. In some embodiments, thecontroller is also configured to receive sensor signals from the sensorto identify and track a current position of lower portion 902 relativeto upper portion 904 (e.g., to monitor a current degree of extension ofinner member 804 relative to outer member 802). In some embodiments, thecontroller restricts lifting and dumping operations (e.g., restrictsoperation of electric motors to translate carrier 26 and grabberassembly 42) if lower portion 902 is not aligned with upper portion 904(e.g., if lower portion 902 is not in the configuration shown in FIG. 18).

Using a split ladder structure as shown in FIGS. 8, 13, and 17-18 ,facilitates reducing overhand mass of lift assembly 100. This reducesthe weight of lift assembly 100 that is supported by reach assembly 800and may facilitate lowered bending stresses at inner member 804 and/orouter member 802. Additionally, inertial forces exerted on upper portion904 of track 20 (e.g., due to carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42translating along upper portion 904 of track 20) can be absorbed by thehopper or body portion of refuse vehicle 10 to which upper portion 904is coupled.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16 , a storage apparatus 900 can be used torotate carrier 26 and/or grabber assembly 42 under a chassis or frame 12of refuse vehicle 10. Storage apparatus 900 can be used in any of theembodiments of lift assembly 100 described herein.

Storage apparatus 900 includes a pivotally coupled or rotatable endportion 924 of track 20. End portion 824 can be a part (e.g., a bottomend) of straight portion 27 of track 20. End portion 924 can be fixedlycoupled or integrally formed with a bar, a beam, a structural member,linkage, etc., shown as pivotal member 922. Pivotal member 922 includesa protrusion, a tab, a cylindrical protrusion, a post, a pin, etc.,shown as pin 920. Pin 920 extends therethrough and slidably couples witha correspondingly shaped aperture, hole, bore, etc., of a rear trackportion 926, shown as apertures 914. Aperture 914 extends therethroughrear track portion 926 and receives pin 920 such that pin 920 andpivotal member 922 can rotate about axis 918. Axis 918 extends through acenter point of pin 920 and/or aperture 914.

Storage apparatus 900 can include two pivotal members 922 laterallyspaced apart from each other and configured to rotatably or pivotallycouple with rear track portions 926. Rear track portions 926 can beintegrally formed with track 20 and can protrude towards reach assembly800. Rear track portions 926 can be generally flat or planar membersthat define apertures 914 therethrough.

Pivotal member 922 extends therebetween rear track portions 926 androtatable end portion 924 of track 20. Pivotal member 922 can beconfigured to rotate, pivot, or swing about axis 918 to swing carrier26, end portion 924, and grabber assembly 42 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, pivotal members 922 are drivento rotate about axis 918 by an electric linear actuator or an electricmotor. End portion 924 includes a receiving portion, a coupling member,a latch member, etc., shown as receiving portion 928. Receiving portion928 can include a slot, a recess, a latch, a channel, a groove, a hook,etc., configured to removably couple with a hook 910 of a latch member912. Latch member 912 is pivotally coupled with a support member, a bar,an elongated member, a beam, etc., shown as support member 906 such thatlatch member 912 can rotate or pivot about axis 916 relative to supportmember 906. Support member 906 can extend from a bottom surface of reachassembly 800. In some embodiments, support member 906 extends from abottom surface of outer member 802 in a generally downwards direction.

Storage apparatus 900 include a hydraulic cylinder, a telescopingmember, an electric linear actuator, etc., shown as linear actuator 908.Linear actuator 908 is pivotally coupled at one end with reach assembly800, and at an opposite end with latch member 912. Linear actuator 908can be driven to extend or retract to pivot/rotate latch member 912about axis 916. In other embodiments, latch member 912 is driven topivot/rotate about axis 916 by an electric motor.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 15-16 , pivotal member 922 can be drivento rotate between a first orientation (shown in FIG. 15 ) and a secondorientation (shown in FIG. 16 ). In some embodiments, when storageapparatus 900 is in the first orientation, end portion 924 of track 20is aligned with track 20 such that a continuous track is defined. Whenstorage apparatus 900 is in the first orientation, carrier 26 andgrabber assembly 42 can be driven to translate along track 20 to liftand dump a releasably secured refuse bin.

Storage apparatus 900 can transition into the second orientation byrotating pivotal member 922 about axis 918 in a clockwise direction. Insome embodiments, latch member 912 is rotated about axis 916 such thatlatch member 912 and/or hook 910 is not in a path of motion of receivingportion 928. Once pivotal member 922 is transitioned into the secondconfiguration, latch member 912 can be driven to rotate/pivot about axis916 in a counter clockwise direction until hook 910 engages thecorrespondingly shaped recess, slot, hook, etc., of receiving portion928.

Advantageously, the engagement/coupling between hook 910 of latch member912 and receiving portion 928 locks storage apparatus 900 in the secondorientation. Storage apparatus 900 can remain in the second orientationuntil it is operated to transition back into the first orientation.Storage apparatus 900 can be transitioned into the second orientationwhen refuse vehicle 10 is on the highway, between collection stops, orwhen powered/shut off. Advantageously, storage apparatus 900 can reducean overall width of refuse vehicle 10 and can protect grabber assembly42 by reducing the likelihood of grabber assembly 42 contactingobstacles while refuse vehicle 10 is driving.

Storage apparatus 900 can be transitioned from the second orientation tothe first orientation by operating latch member 912 to disengagereceiving portion 928 (e.g., by operating linear actuator 908 such thatlatch member 912 rotates/pivots about axis 916 in the clockwisedirection). After hook 910 of latch member 912 is disengaged fromreceiving portion 928, pivotal member 922 can be driven to rotate aboutaxis 918 in the clockwise direction until pivotal member 922, carrier26, and grabber assembly 42 are in the orientation shown in FIG. 14 .

It should be understood that storage apparatus 900 shown in FIGS. 14-16, and the split ladder configuration shown in FIGS. 8, 13, and 17-18 canbe used with either ladder assembly 750 or with the embodiment of track20 shown in FIG. 6 , or with the embodiment of track 20 shown in FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , a push chain assembly 1000 can be used todrive carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 along track 20. In someembodiments, push chain assembly 1000 includes track 20 and a push chain1004. In some embodiments, track 20 includes a first rail, a firstelongated member, a first track member, a first guide member, etc.,shown as a first member 1030, and a second rail, a second elongatedmember, a second track member, a second guide member, etc., shown assecond member 1002. Push chain 1004 that is configured to slidablycouple with first member 1030 and second member 1002. Push chain 1004can include linkages 1006 that rotatably or pivotally couple with eachother. In some embodiments, linkages 1006 are consecutively coupled witheach other. In some embodiments, linkages 1006 are each pivotallycoupled with adjacent linkages 1006 with a pin, a post, a cylindricalmember, etc., shown as pin 1020. Linkages 1006 can each include aprotrusion 1008 that extends from one side of linkage 1006. In someembodiments, protrusion 1008 extends alongside and beyond the post orpin 1020 of an adjacent or neighboring linkage. Protrusions 1008facilitate preventing push chain 1004 from bending or contorting in onedirection (e.g., preventing push chain 1004 from falling, drooping,bending, deflecting, deforming, curving, etc.) but allow push chain 1004to curve or contort in an opposite direction. For example, push chain1004 can be configured to curve inwards about an upper bend 1010 andbottom bend 1012 of second member 1002, but may be prevented fromcurving outwards. In some embodiments, second member 1002 is laterallyoffset from first member 1030.

Push chain 1004 is configured to receive an exerted force (e.g., apushing force, a compressive force, etc.) and translate or slide alongfirst member 1030 and second member 1002. In some embodiments, anelectric motor including a driveshaft and a driving sprocket isconfigured to rotatably couple with push chain 1004 at upper bend 1010or bottom bend 1012 to drive push chain 1004 to translate along track 20and/or along second member 1002. In some embodiments, second member 1002and first member 1030 include a channel, a groove, a recess, etc., shownas groove 1018 that extends or runs along substantially an entire pathlength of first member 1030 and second member 1002. In some embodiments,the groove 1018 extends continuously along an outer surface of secondmember 1002 and track 20. In some embodiments, first member 1030includes a groove portion 1022 configured to translatably couple withpush chain 1004 that is continuous with the groove 1018 or track ofsecond member 1002. In some embodiments, pins 1020 of linkages 1006 areconfigured to be received within and slide along groove 1018. In someembodiments, pins 1020 of linkages 1006 are configured to be receivedwithin and slide along groove 1018 at groove portion 1022 when thelinkages 1006 move along first member 1030. In some embodiments,protrusions 1008 of linkages 1006 or an inner portion of linkages 1006are configured to be received within and slide along the groove portion1022 (e.g., a track, a recess, etc.) of groove 1016 when linkages 1006move along second member 1002.

Pins 1020 can extend in or define a first direction (e.g., along alongitudinal axis of the refuse vehicle 10) while protrusions 1008 mayextend in or define a second direction (e.g., along a lateral axis ofthe refuse vehicle 10). In some embodiments, the first direction and thesecond direction are perpendicular or orthogonal with each other. Forexample, the groove portion 1022 of the first member 1030 may have adepth in the first direction to receive the pins 1020, while the groove1018 along the second member 1002 may have a depth in the seconddirection to receive the protrusion 1008.

Push chain 1004 includes a first end 1014 and a second end 1016,according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, second end 1016 isfree and is translatably coupled with the groove that extendscontinuously along second member 1002 and/or first member 1030. In someembodiments, second end 1016 is coupled (e.g., fixedly) with aconnecting portion of carrier 26. In some embodiments, second end 1016is coupled (e.g., fixedly, pivotally, removably, rotatably, etc.) with abottom portion of grabber assembly 42 and/or carrier 26. As push chain1004 is driven to translate or slide along second member 1002 and/orfirst member 1030, second end 1016 can exert a pushing force on carrier26 and/or grabber assembly 42. Second end 1016 can provide the pushingforce on carrier 26 and/or grabber assembly 42 along substantially anentire path of motion of carrier 26 and/or grabber assembly 42. In someembodiments, carrier 26 is configured to translate upwards alongstraight portion 27 of track 20 and along curved portion 29 of track 20.Second end 1016 of push chain 1004 can be configured to provide thepushing force to carrier 26 and/or grabber assembly 42 alongsubstantially the entire path of motion of carrier 26 and/or grabberassembly 42 as carrier 26 and grabber assembly 42 translate alongstraight portion 27 and curved portion 29 of track 20. In this way, theelectric motor can drive push chain 1004 to translate carrier 26 andgrabber assembly 42 to lift, tilt, and dump a refuse container.

Linkages 1006 can form a compressive load bearing structure so that apushing force can be transferred through push chain 1004 to drive acarrier assembly that is positioned at second end 1016 to ascend. Insome embodiments, each pin 1020 defines an axis 1024 that extends in thefirst direction. Subsequent linkages 1006 may be restricted fromrotating in direction 1028 due to protrusions 1008. Linkages 1006 may berestricted or prevented from rotating in direction 1026 due toengagement between linkages 1006 and track 20 and/or second member 1002(e.g., due to the engagement between pins 1020 and groove 1018 or due tothe engagement between a portion of linkages 1006 and groove 1022). Inthis way, a pushing force may transfer through linkages 1006 (e.g.,through pins 1020) of push chain 1004 as a compressive force andprovided to second end 1016 (or grabber assembly 42 that is positionedat second end 1016).

Referring now to FIG. 10 , an electrically powered lift assembly 1100 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Electrically powered liftassembly 1100 can be the same as or similar to any of the other liftassemblies described herein and may share any features, components,configurations, functionality, etc., of the various lift assembliesdescribed herein.

Electrically powered lift assembly 1100 includes a cable, a belt, achain, a tensile member, a flexible member, a band, a deformable member,a contortable member, etc., shown as power transmitting band 1104. Powertransmitting band 1104 can be any elongated member that can bend orcontort and can be loaded in tension (and/or compression) to provide apulling force to grabber assembly 42 (or to carrier 26). Powertransmitting band 1104 can be driven by an electric motor 1102 to pullgrabber assembly 42 upwards along track 20. In some embodiments, an endof power transmitting band 1104 is coupled with a portion, surface,member, etc., of grabber assembly 42 to provide the pulling force tograbber assembly 42. Power transmitting band 1104 can extend along anouter surface, an outer periphery, etc., of track 20. In someembodiments, power transmitting band 1104 extends along or through agroove, a channel, a recess, a track, etc., of track 20. Powertransmitting band 1104 can slidably couple with the groove that extendsalong track 20.

Advantageously, the lift assemblies described herein are fully electricsystems or are configured to be driven by electric motors, therebyfacilitating a fully electric lifting apparatus that can be used on sideloading, rear loading, or front loading refuse vehicles. While thevarious electric systems described herein are shown implemented with aspecific grabber assembly, any of the electric systems, the electricrack and pinion systems, the gearing systems, electric linear actuators,electric motors, etc., or components thereof can be used with variousgrabber assemblies. Advantageously, a fully-electric lift assemblyreduces the need for a hydraulic system, is more environmentallyfriendly, and facilitates a more robust lifting apparatus.

It should be understood that any of the electric motors, electric linearactuators, electric devices, etc., can receive electrical energy/powerfrom a battery system including one or more battery devices or any otherenergy storage devices. These batteries may be charged from an engine ofthe refuse vehicle and can be discharged to the various electricalcomponents to power the lift assembly. Additionally, any of the electricmotors, electric linear actuators, or electrical devices describedherein can be operated by a controller or a control system. Thecontroller can include a processing circuit, memory, a processor,computer readable medium, etc., and may store instructions for operatingany of the functions of a lift assembly. The controller can generatecontrol signals and provide the control signals to any of the electricaldevices (e.g., the electric motors) described herein to operate the liftassembly.

It should also be noted that any of the electric motors, electric linearactuators, etc., can include a brake that can lock or facilitaterestricting rotational output from an output driveshaft of any of theelectric motors. For example, any of the electric motors can include adrum brake configured to activate and provide a frictional force to theelectric motor driveshaft to facilitate preventing rotation of thedriveshaft thereof. The brake can be activated using mechanical systems,or an electrical system. For example, the brake may be an electricallyactivated drum brake, a mechanical brake, an electrical brake, etc. Thebrake can be configured to decrease output speed of the driveshaft ofthe electric motor or to facilitate locking a current angular positionof the driveshaft of the electric motor. The brake can be operated bythe same controller or control system that operates the electric motorsand electric linear actuators, or can be operated by a separate controlsystem and/or a separate controller. Additionally, any of the electricmotors or linear electric actuators described herein can includeappropriate gearboxes to increase or decrease output torque.

It should also be noted that any of the electrical motors, electricalactuators, or any other electrical movers can include any number ofsensors configured to measure and monitor an angular position or adegree of extension. In some embodiments, the sensors are a component ofthe electric motors or the electric linear actuators and providefeedback signals to the controller. The controller can monitor thesensor signals to identify an angular position or a degree of extensionof the electric motors or the electric linear actuators, respectively.The controller can use the sensor signal to determine a current positionof grabber assembly 42 and/or carrier 26 along track 20 (or to determinea current degree of extension of reach assembly 800). In someembodiments, a current position of carrier 26 and/or grabber assembly 42along track 20 is measured directly with a sensor and is provided to thecontroller (e.g., using a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, a camera,etc.). Sensors or electric motor feedback signals can also be used withstorage apparatus 900 to monitor a current orientation or configurationof storage apparatus 900. The sensor signals can be provided to thecontroller.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as usedherein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that suchembodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrationsof possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote thatsuch embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g.,removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe theorientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted thatthe orientation of various elements may differ according to otherexemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list ofelements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in thelist. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, andZ,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood withthe context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., anycombination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present,unless otherwise indicated.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thesystems as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the components described herein may be constructed fromany of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength ordurability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, andcombinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present inventions. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in thedesign, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the presentdisclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fully-electric lift assembly for a refusevehicle, the fully-electric lift assembly comprising: a track comprisinga plurality of channels that extend along an entire length of a path ofthe track; a carrier configured to translate along the path of thetrack, the carrier comprising a plurality of slidable members, eachslidable member configured to engage the track at a corresponding one ofthe plurality of channels; and a push chain configured to couple withthe carrier at a first end of the push chain and be driven by anelectric motor, wherein the push chain is configured to exert a pushingforce on the carrier to drive the carrier to ascend along the track;wherein the track comprises an end portion at a bottom end of the track,wherein the end portion is rotatably coupled with the track and isconfigured to pivot inwards towards the refuse vehicle.
 2. Thefully-electric lift assembly of claim 1, wherein the push chaincomprises a plurality of linkages, wherein each of the plurality oflinkages comprise a pin extending in a first direction and a protrusionextending in a second direction that is perpendicular to the firstdirection, wherein subsequent linkages are pivotally coupled through thepins and are configured to pivot relative to each other in a firstangular direction and wherein the protrusion limits rotation ofsubsequent linkages in a second angular direction.
 3. The fully-electriclift assembly of claim 2, wherein the track comprises: a first membercomprising a first groove extending in the first direction andconfigured to receive the pins of the linkages; and a second membercomprising a second groove extending in the second direction andconfigured to receive a portion of the linkages that extend in thesecond direction; wherein the second member is offset from the firstmember in the first direction; and wherein the linkages are configuredto translate along a path defined by the first groove and the secondgroove.
 4. The fully-electric lift assembly of claim 2, whereinrestricting the rotation of linkages in the second angular directionfacilitates a transfer of a compressive load through the linkages andreduces deformation of the push chain.
 5. The fully-electric liftassembly of claim 1, wherein the track comprises a straight portion anda curved portion.
 6. The fully-electric lift assembly of claim 1,wherein the end portion comprises a receiving portion configured toreleasably engage a hook, wherein the hook releasably secures thecarrier at an inwards orientation relative to a body of the refusevehicle.
 7. The fully-electric lift assembly of claim 1, wherein thefully-electric lift assembly solely uses electrical energy to drive thecarrier to ascend along the track.
 8. A refuse vehicle comprising: achassis; a plurality of tractive elements coupled with the chassis andconfigured to support the refuse vehicle; a reach assembly coupled withthe refuse vehicle; and a fully-electric lift assembly coupled with thereach assembly and comprising: a track comprising a plurality ofchannels that extend along an entire length of a path of the track; acarrier configured to translate along the path of the track, the carriercomprising a plurality of slidable members, each slidable memberconfigured to engage the track at a corresponding one of the pluralityof channels; and a push chain configured to couple with the carrier at afirst end of the push chain and be driven by an electric motor, whereinthe push chain is configured to exert a pushing force on the carrier todrive the carrier to ascend along the track, the push chain comprising aplurality of linkages, wherein each of the plurality of linkagescomprise a pin extending in a first direction and a protrusion extendingin a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction,wherein subsequent linkages are pivotally coupled through the pins andare configured to pivot relative to each other in a first angulardirection and the protrusion restricts rotation of subsequent linkagesin a second angular direction; wherein the track comprises: a firstmember comprising a first groove extending in the first direction andconfigured to receive the pins of the linkages; and a second membercomprising a second groove extending in the second direction andconfigured to receive a portion of the linkages that extend in thesecond direction; wherein the second member is offset from the firstmember in the first direction; and wherein the linkages are configuredto translate along a path defined by the first groove and the secondgroove.
 9. The refuse vehicle of claim 8, wherein restricting therotation of linkages in the second angular direction facilitates atransfer of a compressive load through the linkages and reducesdeformation of the push chain.
 10. The refuse vehicle of claim 8,wherein the track comprises a straight portion and a curved portion. 11.The refuse vehicle of claim 8, wherein the track comprises an endportion at a bottom end of the track, wherein the end portion isrotatably coupled with the track and is configured to pivot inwardstowards the refuse vehicle.
 12. The refuse vehicle of claim 11, whereinthe end portion comprises a receiving portion configured to releasablyengage a hook, wherein the hook releasably secures the carrier at aninwards orientation relative to a body of the refuse vehicle.
 13. Therefuse vehicle of claim 8, wherein the fully-electric lift assemblysolely uses electrical energy to drive the carrier to ascend along thetrack.
 14. A fully-electric lift assembly for a refuse vehicle, thefully-electric lift assembly comprising: a track; a carrier configuredto translate along the track; and a push chain comprising a plurality oflinkages, each linkage comprising a pin extending in a first directionand a protrusion extending in a second direction that is perpendicularto the first direction, wherein subsequent linkages are pivotallycoupled with each other through the pins and are configured to pivotrelative to each other in a first angular direction and wherein theprotrusion limits rotation of subsequent linkages in a second angulardirection; wherein the push chain is configured to couple with thecarrier at a first end of the push chain and be driven by an electricmotor to exert a pushing force on the carrier to drive the carrier toascend along the track; wherein the track comprises: a first membercomprising a first groove extending in the first direction andconfigured to receive the pins of the linkages; and a second membercomprising a second groove extending in the second direction andconfigured to receive a portion of the linkages that extend in thesecond direction; wherein the second member is offset from the firstmember in the first direction; and wherein the linkages are configuredto translate along a path defined by the first groove and the secondgroove.
 15. The fully-electric lift assembly of claim 14, whereinlimiting the rotation of linkages in the second angular directionfacilitates a transfer of a compressive load through the linkages andreduces deformation of the push chain.
 16. The fully-electric liftassembly of claim 14, wherein the fully-electric lift assembly solelyuses electrical energy to drive the carrier to ascend along the track.